“He is under police lock-up now. The case is being ­investigated by the Wildlife and National Parks Department,” the official said, adding that he had no other details on the case.

The department’s top officials declined comment when contacted by reporters. Wong will be held until Tuesday for further investigation, reports said.

Described by wildlife groups as one of the world’s most-wanted smugglers of wild animals, Wong was reportedly sentenced to 71 months in jail in the US in 2001 after he pleaded guilty to trafficking charges.